Hasaranga was one of Sri Lanka’s biggest weapons in the match against Ireland. He conceded very few runs and picked up 3 important wickets. Sri Lanka managed to defeat Ireland by 20 runs due to his bowling. The third wicket taken in this match was Hasaranga’s 40th in T20 World Cup, a major milestone in his career.

With this performance, Hasaranga broke the record of former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi. Afridi took 39 wickets in 34 T20 World Cup matches between 2007 and 2016. After making his World Cup debut in 2021, Hasaranga overtook him with 40 wickets in just 20 matches to become the second highest wicket-taker.

In the current World Cup, Hasaranga has an opportunity to make a bigger history. Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan currently holds the record for the highest wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup, who has taken 50 wickets in 43 matches. If Hasaranga can continue to bowl well in this tournament, he can come close to breaking this record.

Hasaranga also holds another record for Sri Lanka. He became Sri Lanka’s highest wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup, breaking Lasith Malinga’s record of 38 wickets. Sri Lanka scored 163 runs with the help of Kushal Mendis 56 and Kamindu Mendis 44 runs in the match. In reply, Ireland were all out for 143 runs. Sri Lanka now confident after starting their World Cup campaign with a win, their next match will be against Oman.